New Signalling System and Trains on East Rail Line from 12 Sept 2020

The MTR Corporation announced today (28 August 2020) that, in preparation for extending the East Rail Line (EAL) across the harbour to Admiralty Station, the commissioning of the new signalling system on the EAL will take place on 12 September 2020 (Saturday). From this date, new 9-car trains will be progressively introduced on the EAL. This is an important milestone for Shatin to Central Link (SCL) project.

From 12 September, there will be a mix of new 9-car and existing 12-car trains, i.e. Mixed Fleet Operations, on the EAL. By the time the EAL runs all the way to Admiralty, as many as 37 new 9- car trains will be introduced. Measures will be introduced in stations to facilitate passenger familiarisation with the new boarding and alighting arrangements for Mixed Fleet Operations. Passengers will be guided by prominent blue and green signs on platforms, information display panels, clear public announcements and additional customer service staff in stations. Measures, such as deploying the 12-car trains as practical as possible to serve the southbound traffic during the morning peak hours in the early stage of the new arrangement, have been formulated to ensure smooth passenger flow and railway service.

“The new signalling system and trains at the EAL have completed all necessary testing and drills, and obtained approval from the relevant Government departments. They are ready for passenger service in terms of safety and reliability,” said Mr C L Leung, Head of E&M Construction of MTR Corporation.

“We understand passengers might need time to get used to the new boarding arrangement, therefore we will implement measures to assist passengers. Teething problems and minor adjustments are expected in the initial stage; we appeal to passengers to exercise understanding and patience,” said Mr Sammy Wong, Chief of Operating of MTR Corporation.

With the EAL Extension across the harbour, the journey time from Hung Hom to Admiralty, without interchange, will reduce from approximately 18 to 5 minutes, offering a convenient and fast alternative route for passengers to crossthe harbour. The commissioning of new signalling system and introduction of 9-car trains serve as facilitating the service enhancement after the EAL Extension and to cope with space constraints on the tracks alignment of Hong Kong Island section.

The target opening date of the Hung Hom to Admiralty Section is the first quarter of 2022. Despite challenges arising from the pandemic, which has restricted supply chains and overseas support, the Corporation is making every effort to meet the targeted opening.

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